Sydney Conservatorium of Music hosts International Jazz Festival

International stars and jazz heavyweights will descend on the University of Sydney's Conservatorium of Music for the second International Jazz Festival on Sunday 3 June.

Headlining this year’s festival, co-hosted by the Conservatorium’s Open Academy, is Grammy-nominated jazz singer, Gretchen Parlato,who was named by DownBeat Magazine as #1 Rising Star.

Artistic Director of the International Jazz Festival and Head of the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Studies program David Theak said the Conservatorium is delighted to be presenting Gretchen Parlato to Sydney audiences.

This tour has been highly anticipated amongst Australian jazz lovers, and we are thrilled to be able to present Gretchen’s astonishing project ‘Flor’ alongside our own revered Australian artists in this year’s program.

David Theak, Artistic Director and Head of Jazz Studies

Presented in the Royal Botanic Garden on Sydney Harbour, this year's program features over 90 musicians in 24 master-classes and concerts.

Hailed as one of the most exciting vocalists of her generation, Parlato was born in Los Angeles and is the daughter of bassist and Frank Zappa collaborator Dave Parlato. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Ethnomusicology and Jazz Studies, she went on to become the first vocalist to be accepted into the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, before winning first place in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2004.

Trad-lovers will enjoy the new addition of the ‘Feel Good Stage’ featuring local legends Geoff Bull and the Finer Cuts.

David Theak has also ensured that education remains central to the program. Gold, Day and Morning festival pass holders will gain access to six masterclasses that include Parlato and Malaby, while the Converge Program will pair three student ensembles with esteemed leaders of the Australian jazz scene in a mentorship.